Richard Dawkins sparks outrage with Down's syndrome abortion tweets

Scientist Richard Dawkins has sparked a row after controversially suggesting that foetuses with Down’s syndrome should be aborted.

The professor and outspoken atheist claimed during a debate on twitter that it would be “immoral” to give birth to a child with the condition “if you have the choice”.

After posting a link to an article about Ireland’s strict abortion laws, the 73-year-old received a tweet that read: “I honestly don’t know what I would do if I were pregnant with a kid with Down’s syndrome. Real ethical dilemma.”

Professor Dawkins responded by saying: “Abort it and try again. It would be immoral to bring it into the world if you have the choice.”

His comments provoked anger, with one person hitting out at him as an “appalling, soulless man”.

Another user, citing recent figures, responded to him by asking: "994 human beings with Down's Syndrome deliberately killed before birth in England and Wales in 2012 – is that civilised?”

Professor Dawkins replied: “Yes, it is very civilised. These are foetuses, diagnosed before they have human feelings.”

He went on to explain that, rather than questioning the right of those who are alive with Down's syndrome to live, he was only concerned with those who are not yet born.

"There's a profound moral difference between ‘This foetus should now be aborted’ and ‘This person should have been aborted years ago’,” he posted.

He then defiantly added: "Apparently I'm a horrid monster for recommending what actually happens to the great majority of Down Syndrome foetuses. They are aborted.”

His comments were rejected by the Down's Syndrome Association.

"People with Down's syndrome can and do live full and rewarding lives, they also make a valuable contribution to our society," the charity said.

"At the Down's Syndrome Association, we do not believe Down's syndrome in itself should be a reason for termination, however, we realise that families must make their own choice. The DSA strives to ensure that all prospective parents are given accurate and up to date information about the condition and what life might be like today for someone with Down's syndrome."